scholarly journals Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Germany—A Comparison between Dentists and Dental Assistants

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 6956
Author(s):  
Fabian Holzgreve ◽  
Yvonne Haas ◽  
Antonia Naser ◽  
Jasmin Haenel ◽  
Laura Fraeulin ◽  
...  

Background: Dental professionals suffer frequently from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Dentists and dental assistants work closely with each other in a mutually dependent relationship. To date, MSD in dental assistants have only been marginally investigated and compared to their occurrence in dentists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of MSD between dentists and dental assistants by considering occupational factors, physical activity and gender. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study. A Germany-wide survey, using a modified version of the Nordic Questionnaire and work-related questions, was applied. In total, 2548 participants took part, of which 389 dentists (240 females and 149 males) and 322 dental assistants (320 females and 2 males) were included in the analysis. Data were collected between May 2018 and May 2019. Differences between the dentists and dental assistants were determined by using the Chi2 test for nominal and the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney U test for both ordinal and non-normally distributed metric data. Results: A greater number of dental assistants reported complaints than dentists in all queried body regions. Significant differences in the most affected body regions (neck, shoulders, wrist/hands, upper back, lower back and feet/ankles) were found for the lifetime prevalence, annual prevalence and weekly prevalence. Data from the occupational factors, physical activity and gender analyses revealed significant differences between dentists and dental assistants. Conclusions: Dental assistants appear to be particularly affected by MSD when compared to dentists. This circumstance can be explained only to a limited extent by differences in gender distribution and occupational habits between the occupations.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Tegern ◽  
Ulrika Aasa ◽  
Björn O. Äng ◽  
Helena Larsson

Abstract Background The high numbers of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among soldiers in the Swedish Armed Forces has led to the implementation of an effective prevention program, the musculoskeletal screening protocol (MSP), including questionnaires, physical tests and individual intervention of their MSD. A corresponding MSP for the Swedish Air Force is also needed due to earlier reported high prevalence of MSD. We therefore investigated the prevalence of MSD in Swedish Air Force personnel (AF) and compared this to Swedish Army deployed soldiers (DS). Individual, health- and work-related factors associated with MSD were also investigated. Methods Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study on 166 male AF and 185 DS. AF consisted of fighter pilots, helicopter pilots and rear crew from one Swedish air base. Results The one-year and point prevalence, respectively, of MSD were significantly higher for AF compared to DS with regard to both the upper quarter of the body (i.e. neck, shoulder and thoracic regions) (AF = 54.8 and 31.3%, DS = 26.1 and 13.6%, p = 0.01) and the lumbar region (AF = 38.0 and 18.7%, DS = 22.2 and 7.1%, p = 0.00). No significant differences were present between fighter pilots, helicopter pilots and rear crew regarding MSD prevalence. Factors significantly associated with having both upper quarter and lumbar regions MSD were group (i.e. greater odds for AF than DS) and self-reported physical health as less than excellent. Additionally, being older and taller were also factors associated with lumbar region MSD. Discussion Despite a generally healthy lifestyle, MSD were commonly reported by AF and DS, with generally higher prevalence in AF who mainly reported MSD in the upper quarter of the body. The results from this study indicate that the MSP can be a meaningful tool to prevent MSD in air force personnel and that questions regarding general health and MSD in specific body regions should be included in screening protocols. The development of the preventive program MSP is therefore recommended for the Swedish Air Force.


2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (8) ◽  
pp. 713-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Lobo ◽  
M A Gandarillas ◽  
S Sánchez-Gómez ◽  
R Megía

AbstractObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery specialists and trainees in Spain, and to measure the effect that physical exercise could have on muscular discomfort.MethodA cross-sectional survey was administered between September and December 2017 to practising otolaryngologists.ResultsFour hundred and three ENT surgeons responded, with a median age of 44.9 years, and 89.8 per cent reported discomfort or physical symptoms that they attributed to surgical practice. More female surgeons reported musculoskeletal symptoms (92.8 per cent vs 87.1 per cent; p = 0.04). When the level of physical activity was compared with the frequency of physical discomfort, no significant difference was found.ConclusionThis study has shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among ENT surgeons in Spain but has failed to demonstrate an important role of physical exercise in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Gabriella Barreto Soares ◽  
Carlos Eduardo Gomes Siqueira ◽  
Lorena Estrada-Martinez ◽  
Cléa Adas Saliba Garbin ◽  
Artênio José Ísper Garbin

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at investigating the relationships between health and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in dentists, and the relationship with socio-demographic, work and health variables.METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 204 dentists who work in public clinics in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. We used a self-administered survey that included questions on sociodemographic and health aspects, work-related factors, and the Nordic questionnaire.RESULTS: WMSDs were often reported in the neck, shoulder, lower back, and hand/wrists. Logistic regression analysis revealed that there was a correlation between reports of WMSD in the neck and age (OR = 9.48) and health problems (OR = 6.71). Moreover, strong associations were found between MSDs in the shoulders, gender (OR = 5.88) and breaks between appointments (OR = 4.17).CONCLUSION: We concluded that the health problems diagnosed, work-related activities and gender contributed to musculoskeletal disorders in dentists in this clinic.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 199-208
Author(s):  
Seyyedeh Haniyeh Mousavibaghi ◽  
◽  
Kamran Ezzati ◽  
Mahmood Abedinzade ◽  
Sadegh MoshtaghiKoojel ◽  
...  

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the prevalent occupational injuries and disabilities in developing countries. Objectives: The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among surgery technicians. Materials & Methods: samples (n=179) of this analytical and cross-sectional study were selected using a census method among the surgical technicians who had at least one year of work experience. The disorders of different parts of their bodies were evaluated by Nordic questionnaire, and the risk of catching the musculoskeletal disorders was assessed using quick exposure check method. Statistical analyses were done in SPSS V. 16. Results: According to the Nordic questionnaire, the most prevalent work-related disorders in the past year were found in the back (71.5%), neck (57%), wrist (50.8%), and shoulder (49.7%) of the study subjects. The quick exposure check results showed that the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in action level one for 32.4% of the surgery technicians, and action level three for 33% of them. This study showed associations between the prevalence of work-related symptoms in different body regions and some individual and occupational characteristics (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) is high among surgical technicians and lumbar disorders are the most common types. Risk factors for MSDs include undesirable physical posture, weight, time spent for shifting loads, excessive force applied by one or both hands at work, working speed, and staff stress levels. among near half of the studied surgical technicians, there were high and very high risks for injury, indicating the vulnerable condition and environment of this job.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina da Graça Fagundes Freire ◽  
Gabriella Barreto Soares ◽  
Tânia Adas Saliba Rovida ◽  
Cléa Adas Saliba Garbin ◽  
Artênio José Ísper Garbin

Objective: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists who attend postgraduate courses in various specialties and establish possible relationships with sociodemographic and occupational factors. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study where 91 professionals responded to validated instruments: “Work-related activities that may contribute to job-related pain and / or injury” and NMQ “Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire”, and variables were also collected regarding sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. Results: WMSDs were often reported in the neck, shoulder, lower/upper back, and hand/wrists. Logistic regression analysis revealed that there was a correlation between reports of WMSD in lower back and work related (OR=13.40). Moreover, associations were found between WMSDs and the occupational factors that can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among brazilian dentists, and that the work-related activities contributed to musculoskeletal disorders in dentists.


Author(s):  
Hina Mahmood ◽  
Murtaza Zaidi ◽  
Tayyaba Saleem ◽  
Muhammad Farhan Khan

Aim: Musculoskeletal disorders have significantly been related to poor ergonomics practice during clinics. There is limited data regarding the prevalence and reasons for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in young dentists. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in young dentists, identification of the perceived reasons for musculoskeletal disorders, and measures taken to manage them. Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 408 house officers from ten dental institutes of twin cities and Karachi, Pakistan. The subjects were inquired through a validated questionnaire about the presence of muscular pain, affected body regions, frequency, intensity, nature of onset, aggravating factors, and average duration of the pain episodes. They were also asked about measures taken to counter musculoskeletal pain and their effectiveness. Results: The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was n=231(56.6%) with n=172(39.2%) of participants reporting it to be work-related with a higher percentage of females n=138/172 (80.2%) The most affected body regions were the back n=101/172 (58.7%), shoulders n=91/172 (52.9%) and neck n=80/172(46.5%). Improper posture n=108(62.8%) followed by prolonged sitting n=88(51.2%) were the most common reasons perceived by the young dentists for their pain. Bed rest was adopted 93(54.1%) to alleviate pain followed by posture rectification 76(44.2%). Most n=134(77.9%) of them thought that these measures are helpful for the alleviation of pain. Conclusion: The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among young dentists is high. The back, shoulder, and neck areas were more frequently affected. A higher percentage of females suffered from MSD as compared to males. Bed rest was the most common measure adopted to alleviate the pain. Very few of them sought professional help for their musculoskeletal disorders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Okezue Obinna Chinedu ◽  
Anamezie Toochukwu Henry ◽  
John Jeneviv Nene ◽  
John Davidson Okwudili

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) currently pose a challenge to public health and elicit considerable financial, physical and social problems for workers. There is a need to attain a deeper understanding of this predicament among office workers, in order to tackle it successfully. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs among office workers in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as well as discover its associations with their personal/work details and reported risk factors.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was executed among 217 office workers in different HEIs, who filled self-report questionnaires on WMSDs. Data were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics.RESULTS: The overall prevalence rate of WMSDs was 71.9% among these staff. The lower back, wrists/hands and shoulders were the most reported body regions for these disorders. WMSD prevalence had significant associations with sex (p = 0.004), age (p= 0.028), working hours (p = 0.003) and work experience (p =0.014). There were significant positive relationships (p < 0.05) between WMSD prevalence and these risk factors: awkward posture, sustained body position, improper bending, workplace stress, inappropriate furniture and inadequate rest breaks.CONCLUSION: Most of the study participants were affected with WMSDs, which were primarily reported in the back and upper extremities. Office workers who were older, female, more experienced and work for longer hours, displayed higher risks for these disorders and should be given special attention. Several factors reported by these HEI staff were revealed to significantly influence WMSD prevalence, emphasizing the need for their effective detection and curtailment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Aiggan Tamene ◽  
Hailemichael Mulugeta ◽  
Tesfaye Ashenafi ◽  
Steven M. Thygerson

Background. Vehicle repair work is one of the highest risk professions for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Globally, only a few published studies have examined the prevalence and determinants of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among vehicle repair workers. Related studies in Ethiopia are even fewer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among vehicle repair workers in Hawassa city, South Ethiopia, 2019. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 344 vehicle repair workers in the Hawassa city. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire-Extended (NMQ-E) was used to assess work-related musculoskeletal disorders on nine body regions. Descriptive statistics and multivariable analyses were used to characterize the data and identify factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Result. The twelve-month prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among this working group was 47.7% with 95% CI (42.7–53.2). Jobs continuously requiring repetitive motions (AOR: 4.29, 95% CI (1.78–10.2)), not having professional training (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI (1.09–3.81)), force exertion when using tools (AOR: 2.40, 95% CI (1.24–4.62)), job stress (AOR:4.54, 95% CI (2.44–8.46)), and regularly lifting, pushing, and pulling loads greater than 20 kg (AOR:4.85, 95% CI (2.65–8.87)) were identified as associated factors. Conclusion. This study showed a 47.7% prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Force exertion, repetitive tasks, manual handling of heavy loads, stress, and lack of training were the identified factors. Ergonomic awareness among workers should be increased through training. In addition, owners should investigate methods to reduce or eliminate risk factors leading to musculoskeletal disorders found among these workers. Automation of high-risk tasks should also be investigated.


Author(s):  
Sneha Chordiya ◽  
Nitin Nikhade

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are a major public health problem in industrialized and developing countries. The present study was aimed to find out the prevalence of acute and chronic WMSD’s in Industrial workers. Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in 60 workers of the Adon Block department workers of the electrical & automation industry, Ahmednagar. Pre-structured occupational Performa was filled by asking questions in the worker’s local language. The Nordic pain Questionnaire was filled by asking the subjects to mark the sites of pain on body chart paper. The risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal problems were assessed by the working posture of workers and repetitive movements in industrial set up. The data collected were interpreted and analyzed. Results: In the present study, 60 workers were selected, of which a number of females were 39 (65%) while males were 21 (35%). The Neck (20.2%) followed by the shoulder (14.9%), elbow (14.4%) and knee (14.4%) were most commonly involved. There was a statistically significant variation in the number of workers involved according to the posture (sitting vs standing) and part of the MSK system involved. Conclusion: The WMSD’s are common in Adon block department workers. The involvement of neck, shoulder, lower back and arm was common in sitting position, while the involvement of upper back, elbow and knee were common in standing position. The disorders are commonly seen in workers irrespective of their duration of work and gender. Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders; Industry Workers; Nordic pain Questionnaire; Ahmednagar.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 494-503
Author(s):  
Ekarat Sombatsawat ◽  
Titaporn Luangwilai ◽  
Parichat Ong-artborirak ◽  
Wattasit Siriwong

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and determine factors influencing MSDs among rice farmers. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was carried out among 156 rice farmers from 14 villages in Tarnlalord sub-district, Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, from February 2017 to March 2017. Face-to-face interviews, including demographics, work characteristics and musculoskeletal pain, were conducted using a modified standardized Nordic questionnaire. Findings The results revealed that both 78 males and 78 females participated in the study to which the average of age and body mass index (BMI) was 45.5±11.4 years and 24.9±4.0 kg/m2, respectively. All rice farmers reported MSDs in at least one body region during the six months preceding the interview. The highest prevalence of MSDs showed 86.5 percent in the lower back area, followed by 85.9 percent in the neck, and 80.7 percent in the shoulders. The analysis of binary logistic regression and Spearman’s rank correlation showed that factors such as gender, age, BMI, work experience and farm size influence MSDs’ occurrence, and pain severity in one or more body regions (p < 0.05). Originality/value Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant health problem in rice farmers. The study indicated that appropriate agricultural practices such as working posture, equipment size selection and carrying loads should be recommended to prevent MSDs. Thus, the occupational health and safety services in agricultural workers are needed.


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